Named scholarships

When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.

For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.

Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.

The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today’s baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. Across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2016 was $37,172; for Ohio students, that figure was $30,239.

If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to the MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND MOVING FORWARD scholarship campaign, which is the University's most important initiative. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.

To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

This is not the page to apply for scholarships.

Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site.

The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.

Search for a Named Scholarship

Department of Physics Faculty and Alumni Scholarship

The Department of Physics Faculty and Alumni Scholarship was created as a means for faculty, alumni, and friends to provide support for students pursuing degrees in physics. This scholarship was funded through an initial gift from the estate of Mark L. and Doris L. Dannis.

Mark Dannis was a physicist and career researcher for BFGoodrich. He was a pioneer inventor in the field of plastics and polymer research and was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Honor by the Akron Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers in 1997. After retiring from BFGoodrich, Mark Dannis taught Astronomy for several semesters in the Department of Physics at The University of Akron. He did not forget that The University of Akron gave him an opportunity to pursue his love of science, even in retirement.

The Department of Physics Faculty and Alumni Scholarship provides tuition assistance for Department of Physics students enrolled at The University of Akron, based on academic merit and financial need. The Department of Physics, in consultation with the Office of Financial Aid, will select The Department of Physics Faculty and Alumni Scholarship recipients.